Why Detroit Lions No Longer Need to Draft a Kicker

The Detroit Lions have not drafted a kicker since 2014, and unfortunately, Nate Freese, the last kicker they drafted, did not succeed. While the Lions have struggled on many fronts over the past few decades, they did have reliable kickers like Eddie Murray, Jason Hanson, and Matt Prater. However, since Prater’s departure, the team has struggled to find a consistent kicker, resulting in a revolving door at the position.

With the lack of stability at kicker in recent years, it’s expected that the Lions will add another kicker to the roster before training camp begins. Leading up to the Michigan Panthers’ 2024 UFL season, there were calls for Lions general manager Brad Holmes to target a kicker in this year’s draft.

In just two games, kicker Jake Bates has already become a fan favorite with two successful field goals beyond 60 yards at Ford Field. Bates’s impressive performance has drawn attention from NFL teams, and it’s anticipated that he will be targeted by several teams before training camp.

Lions fans have taken to social media to urge Holmes and the front office to seriously consider Bates, who previously kicked for the Houston Texans. However, there are risks associated with drafting kickers, as noted by special teams coach Dave Fipp. Fipp emphasized that while drafting a kicker can yield positive results, it’s not always guaranteed, and there have been instances where highly drafted kickers did not live up to expectations.

Recent drafts have seen mixed results for kickers, with varying success among those selected. Last season, the Lions signed John Parker Romo to compete with Michael Badgley and Riley Patterson in training camp, with Romo previously kicking in the XFL.